Khalifa Uthman bin Affan - Passing Away of the Holy Prophet

On return to Madina, the Holy Prophet fell sick. From this sickness he did not recover and ultimately passed away to the great grief and distress of the Muslims. When it was reported that the Holy Prophet had died, most of the Muslims did not believe in such news. Even men like Umar said,"Who says that the Holy Prophet is dead? Moses-like he has gone to have an interview with Allah, and would soon return to us". Uthman also shared this view. It was Abu Bakr who broke this spell. Addressing the people gathered in the mosque he said, "Listen to me, O men ! know that Muhammad being mortal is dead, but the God of Muhammad is alive and will live for ever".

On hearing the sad news of the passing away of the Holy Prophet Uthman sat stunned in a corner of the mosque lost in thoughts. Umar passed by him and offered him salutation, but Uthman did not notice him. Later both Abu Bakr and Umar came to Uthman. Abu Bakr inquired of Uthman as to why he had not responded to the salutation of Umar. Uthman said that he had not noticed him as he was lost in thought. Abu Bakr inquired as to what was the thought wherein he had been lost. Uthman said that he felt worried that the Holy Prophet had passed away, and yet they had not asked him as to how they could be safe from the snares of the world and the devil? Abu Bakr said, "Do not worry, I made the necessary inquire from the Holy Prophet. He had declared that if one has complete faith that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet, he will remain safe from the snares of the world and the devil". Throughout his life Uthman had complete faith that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Prophet, and as such although he was a rich man he remained free from the snares of the world and the devil.